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Festival Tackles Ticket Fraud

The Isle of Wight festival is taking action to try and stop ticket fraud.

Organisers have signed a new deal with viagogo, the world's largest ticket marketplace.

As the Isle of Wight Festival's official ticket exchange partner, viagogo will provide a secure and guaranteed platform to resell tickets to the event through its 28 local language websites. This gives music fans all over the world the opportunity to buy tickets safely and securely, even when the festival is sold out at the box office.

All tickets are protected by viagogo's guarantee, meaning buyers will get a valid ticket in time for the festival. To further minimise fraud, sellers are not paid until after buyers have attended the event, so it's pointless to list fake tickets on viagogo's platform.

John Giddings, the festival's promoter said: "There has always been an aftermarket for tickets and we needed to find the right solution for Isle of Wight Festival goers. Our fans simply want to know their tickets are valid, will arrive on time and get them into the event. Working with viagogo has enabled us to give our fans this peace of mind and provided us with increased control of the secondary market.

"Since we started working with viagogo, the number of fake tickets presented at the gate has fallen by more than 80% and the sponsorship package has allowed us to invest in the event. In summary, our partnership has improved the fan experience and improved the festival."

Ed Parkinson, head of marketing at viagogo, added: "Festival goers deserve better than having to take their chances on online auction sites or with sellers outside the festival gates. John Giddings is a visionary who was quick to recognise the value viagogo could bring. We exist to eradicate ticket fraud and ensure fans get a valid ticket on time."

The Isle of Wight Festival 2013 is shaping up to be one of the biggest events on this year's calendar. Over one spectacular weekend, there's something for everyone, with headline performances from The Stone Roses (UK festival exclusive), The Killers and Bon Jovi. The iconic festival will also feature UK festival exclusive performances from Paul Weller and The Boomtown Rats. Plus, witness the likes of Emeli Sandé, Ke$ha, Jake Bugg, The Script, Bloc Party, Paloma Faith, The Maccabees, Devlin, Ellie Goulding, Ben Howard, Blondie and many more take to the stages. And, new for 2013, the explosive Dance Line Up.

The Isle of Wight Festival takes place on 13th - 16th June in Newport, Isle of Wight. Keep up to date with all the festival action at www.isleofwightfestival.com.